Psalm 23 is the most popular of all 150 psalms. It is personal, faith-building and assuring. It is one of the psalms attributed to King David, who was himself a shepherd of the sheep. To hear and pray these words, we have to accept the fact that we are, after all is said and done, sheep. Like sheep, we cannot see very far in front of us; like sheep we can get lost and need help to get back where we need and want to be. And like sheep, we require protection from evil.
“The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23 NKJV).
The work of the shepherd is threefold. The shepherd guides, nourishes and protects his sheep. As Psalm 23 attests, the Lord gives us rest, restores us, keeps us on the right path – because of who God is – grants us peace and confidence in the face of death and opposition, loves us overmuch, and will be with us unto eternal life.
Jesus Christ, who is our Good Shepherd gives us all of the above. Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10:11, 14, 27-30).
Note that the first sentence can be utilized as a breath prayer. You simply breathe in “The LORD is my Shepherd;” and breathe out, “I shall not want.”
[A podcast version of this is available in the Podcast section of this website.]
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